UNFCCC Internship Programme 2026 | United Nations Climate Change Secretariat Internships (Apply by January 11, 2026)

The UNFCCC Internship Programme offers a structured opportunity for students and early-career academics to gain practical experience within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, supporting global climate action under the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. The UNFCCC internship is designed to enhance academic learning through hands-on professional assignments while providing exposure to the work of the United Nations in a complex, international policy environment.

About the UNFCCC Internship Programme

The UNFCCC Internship Programme exists to support students from diverse academic backgrounds by assigning them to professional units within the UNFCCC Secretariat. Through this internship programme, participants gain insight into multilateral climate negotiations, international cooperation, policy implementation, and operational work that underpins the global response to climate change.

The UNFCCC Secretariat plays a central role in supporting Parties to the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. Its work includes organizing intergovernmental meetings, facilitating implementation of commitments, compiling and analyzing national climate submissions, and strengthening international collaboration on climate finance, technology transfer, education, and public engagement.

The UNFCCC internship allows selected interns to contribute meaningfully to this work while developing professional skills, research capacity, and practical experience relevant to careers in international organizations, climate policy, research, and public service.

Benefits

  • Enhance students’ educational experience through practical work assignments

  • Provide exposure to the United Nations system

  • Offer professional assistance and training across a range of fields

  • Support the work of the UNFCCC Secretariat without constituting employment

Internships are not remunerated and do not carry any promise of future employment with the UNFCCC Secretariat.

Eligibility Criteria 

Academic Status

Applicants must be:

  • Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree (minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent), or

  • Enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent)

The field of study must be related to the work of the UNFCCC Secretariat, including but not limited to:

  • Economics

  • Environmental sciences

  • International law

  • International relations

  • Natural sciences

  • Political science

  • Human resources

  • Public administration

  • Event management

  • Information technology / computer sciences

  • Communications

Language Requirement

  • Applicants must be able to work in English

Family Relationship Restriction

  • Applicants may not be related (spouse, parent, sibling, child) to a staff member of the UNFCCC Secretariat.

General Terms and Conditions of the UNFCCC Internship

  • Internships normally last two months, with the possibility of extension up to four months by mutual agreement.

  • In exceptional cases, internships may be extended to a maximum of six months due to special academic requirements or programme needs.

  • Interns are not staff members and do not enjoy staff privileges or immunities.

  • Interns are required to maintain confidentiality of all unpublished information accessed during the internship.

  • Interns will not be considered for employment with the UNFCCC Secretariat within six months after completion of the internship.

  • Interns must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their responsibilities as representatives of the UNFCCC Secretariat.

Financial Arrangements and Medical Coverage

The UNFCCC Internship Programme is unpaid.

  • Interns are responsible for all costs, including:

    • Travel

    • Visas

    • Accommodation

    • Living expenses

  • Interns must provide proof of adequate medical insurance

  • The UNFCCC Secretariat accepts no responsibility for medical expenses, accidents, or illness during the internship period.

Available Internship Roles 2026

1. Internship – Technology Needs and Implementation (Means of Implementation Division)

Division:
Means of Implementation Division
Technology Sub-Division, Support and Implementation Unit

Location:
On-site at UNFCCC premises, Bonn, Germany (with possible remote component)

Expected Start Date:
March 2026

Duration:
4 to 6 months

Modality:
Primarily on-site

Role Background

This internship supports intergovernmental work on climate technology development and transfer under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The Technology Sub-Division works on technology needs assessments (TNAs), technology action plans (TAPs), nationally determined contributions (NDCs), biennial transparency reports (BTRs), and related datasets.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in compiling information on technology needs and priorities from developing countries

  • Support review and monitoring of Technology Action Plans (TAPs)

  • Assist analysis of NDCs and BTRs from a technology perspective

  • Support organization of technology-focused events

  • Maintain and update datasets and webpages on the TT:CLEAR technology platform

Specific Requirements

  • Enrolled in a Bachelor’s final year, Master’s, or PhD programme

  • Preferred academic background in economics, engineering, environmental studies, development studies, or related fields

  • Strong understanding of climate technologies and climate change

  • Fluency in English; other UN languages are an asset

  • Strong research, writing, and data analysis skills

  • Experience with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., MAXQDA) is an asset

2. Internship – Action for Climate Empowerment (Communications and Engagement Division)

Division:
Communications and Engagement Division
Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE)

Duration:
4 to 6 months

Modality:
Remote or on-site (Bonn, Germany)

Application Deadline:
11 January 2026

Role Background

The ACE internship supports climate education, public awareness, training, participation, access to information, and youth empowerment. The role contributes to communications, outreach, and educational programming aligned with the objectives of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support organization of ACE and youth-focused events

  • Assist in preparing agendas, presentations, reports, and technical documents

  • Conduct research on ACE and youth engagement topics

  • Support website maintenance, newsletters, and LinkedIn group activities

  • Assist in drafting news articles, flyers, and social media content

  • Participate in meetings with internal and external stakeholders

Specific Requirements

  • Enrolled in final undergraduate year or graduate programme (Master’s or PhD)

  • Strong written and spoken English

  • Academic background in social sciences, environmental sciences, or pedagogy preferred

  • Experience with training courses, educational programmes, or international events is an asset

  • Strong computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

  • Strong analytical and research skills

How to Apply for the UNFCCC Internship Programme

Applications must be submitted online through the UNFCCC application system.

Step 1: Registration

Applicants must register as users on the UNFCCC Online Application System by clicking “Apply Now” on the internship vacancy announcement.

Step 2: Complete Application

  • Complete the Personal History Form (P.11)

  • Select the internship version of the P.11 form

  • Upload a cover letter through the system

  • Do not attach additional documents unless explicitly requested

Important Dates

  • Applications Open: 10 December 2025

  • Application Deadline (ACE Internship): 11 January 2026

  • Application Deadline (Technology Internship): As specified in the vacancy announcement

  • Expected Start Date: March 2026 (Technology Internship)

Application links